The Alarming Rise of Vulgarity Among School-Going Children: A Serious Concern

Dear Editor,

I write this letter with deep concern about a disturbing trend I recently witnessed—one that signals a worrying decline in values among today’s school-going children. While driving towards 6th Mile, Gangtok a group of school students, no older than 10 to 12 years, made a vulgar gesture—specifically, the middle finger—from inside a school van (Ecco). Though this act may seem trivial to some, it raises urgent questions about the moral direction of our youth and the influences shaping their behaviour.

As a parent and an educator, I am compelled to reflect on what could be contributing to such actions at such a young age. Social media stands out as a primary factor, exposing children to inappropriate content and desensitizing them to decency. Equally alarming is the apparent lack of parental supervision and guidance in many homes. Combined with a larger shift in societal values—where empathy, humility, and respect are slowly being replaced by aggression and instant gratification—we are looking at a potentially damaging cultural transformation.

This is not just about one incident. It points to a wider societal drift with serious implications:

Mental well-being: Exposure to vulgarity at an early age can affect children's emotional development and self-worth.

Social consequences: Such behaviour fosters conflict, bullying, and the erosion of peer respect.

Long-term impact: If these tendencies go unchecked, we risk nurturing a generation that normalizes disrespect and aggression.

There is still time to act—but only if all stakeholders step in. Parents must take an active role in their children’s moral upbringing. Schools must embed value-based education into their curriculum. And society must celebrate role models who promote decency and responsibility, rather than mindless mimicry.

It is our shared responsibility to guide our children with care and vigilance. Ignoring "small" signs today could lead to irreversible damage tomorrow. The future of our society depends on the values we choose to pass on—let’s make sure they are the right ones.

Your’s etc,

Kesang Tamang,

Gangtok